But after close of play, Broad — the son of former England opener turned match referee Chris Broad — replied: “@CricketMirror replays are unclear? You don’t believe that do you?”

Hales, above a screen grab of the incident that appeared to show the ball touching the grass before Shah claimed the catch, added: “@[email protected] bit blurry to be fair!”

That comment might be interpreted as being mockingly ironic of the umpires, rather than supportive of the officials.

Either way, both Hales and Nottinghamshire team-mate Broad had exposed themselves to the possibility a fine or even more severe punishment from match referee Richie Richardson, the former West Indies captain.

Pakistan ended the day three for one in reply to England’s first innings 328, a deficit of 325 runs. England lead the four-match series 2-1.